Need Info. 1950s GE Combo Fridge

[sarahperdue]

To buy or not to buy.

I'm looking at a 1950s GE combination fridge with the rotating shelves. As some of you may remember, I need it for my unconditioned Alabama house because the current fridge is dying in the heat. I appreciate any and everything you can tell me about this fridge.

From what I've found in the archives, it looks like it might be a 1954. Is it auto defrost? I'm guessing not. It looks like it needs new gaskets. Are replacements available. The seller has only had it a few weeks and tells me that it was cooling well when he bought it but the previous owner said it would "go out sometimes." I should probably walk away, but I really like it and the old fridges are hard to find around here. People ask mind-blowing, outrageous prices. I'd have to drive for this one, but the asking price is $120.

Thanks,
Sarah

 

[appliguy]

It is a 1954 GE Combination Fridge/Freezer

The way to tell is it has a white interior with the revolving shelves and as for the gasket try the link below... and yes the freezer is not self defrosting......PAT COFFEY

http://businessfinder.cleveland.com/4901001/Modern-Parts-House-Cleveland-OH

 

[turquoisedude]

Sarah, it looks like a mid-50s model - to check for sure, ask the seller if they can provide a model number.  At the end of the model number is a letter which GE used to identify the model year.  'L' is 1954, 'M' is 1955, 'N' is 1956, and 'P' is 1957.  

 

Although referred to as 'automatic defrosting' these models only would do this in the refrigerator section; the freezer would get frosted up and need a manual defrosting. 

 

That mention that the fridge would run, but then 'go out sometimes' is worrisome... My first guesses are that it could be a bad cold control (GE fridges did not have a great reputation for its cold control) OR it could be that the motor overload protector is tripping.  I've had the latter happen to my LW11 wall-mounted combination in times of extreme heat (I know that sounds unbelievable, but we have a climate of extremes here in La Belle Province).  I installed a second condenser fan that runs continuously to keep the compressor area cooler and this seems to have resolved the problem.  

 

Finding a new cold control is not as bad as it sounds - Robertshaw still makes thermostats that are vintage GE-fridge friendly.  That could run 50 or 60 dollars (taking shipping into account).   

 

Anyway, just my 2cents, if it helps!

 

[rp2813]

A Serious Gamble

Gaskets would be fairly easy to replace.  Since this fridge has latches instead of magnets, gaskets would be a standard material that could probably be found in some type of "universal fit" replacement kit.  A good seal on the freezer gasket will spare you from having to defrost more than two or three times a year.

 

However, I would consider this purchase very carefully.  I agree with Paul that the cold controls on GEs from this period are notorious for failing.  I had to replace the one on my '57 Combo.  But what if it's not the cold control?  That would point to something more serious and likely prohibitively expensive to fix -- even if you could find the parts and someone willing to perform the work.  Bottom line:  If the seller has only had it a few weeks and is looking to unload it, there is probably something wrong that can't be easily repaired.

 

 

 

[goatfarmer]

I agree with the above.  It sounds like it "might" be the control. But it might be a more serious problem. And that one appears to need quite a bit of cosmetic work done to the outside. $120.00 is the most I would pay, if they guaranteed it to work.

 

[sarahperdue]

Reality check

Thanks. I'll give this one a pass and keep looking.

 

[rp2813]

Sarah,  I think you made the right decision.

 

I don't know if the situation is the same where you are, but around here in the SF Bay Area there are lots of modern, working refrigerators in various sizes and configurations available for free on CL.  If you can find a decent working fridge for free or cheap to hold you over, that would allow you to take your time and wait until the right vintage one comes along.

 

Ralph

 

[sarahperdue]

modern fridge

Thanks. I've already got a modern (90s I think) fridge down there. It just collects moisture, mildews and is rusting under the paint... blech.

The Craigslist prices for the old ones around here are all over the map and usually too high

S